Most Enchanting Small Towns and Villages in the UK
Everyone knows about visiting London when they visit the UK. They may take a day trip from London or head to Bath, Liverpool, or Manchester. But, there are so many enchanting villages in the UK that the average tourist misses.
These 14 small towns and villages are notable because of scenic overlooks in Wales, magnificent cathedrals in England, and sweeping harbors in Scotland. Each one is beautiful and has something fun to see and do while you are there.
Here is your opportunity to get out into the beautiful country, explore some lesser-known towns, and enjoy them all by yourself!
Shrewsbury UK
Photo Credit: The Traveling Twins
by Anisa from the Traveling Twins
Europe is home to some of the most charming towns in the world. From small villages to bustling cities, there’s something for everyone. One such town is Shrewsbury, located in the United Kingdom, approximately 40 minutes away from Birmingham.
Shrewsbury is home to medieval architecture, lively nightlife, and plenty of outdoor activities. Besides charming architecture with beautiful half-timbered buildings, small streets, and cobblestone paths, Shrewsbury has tons of culture and fun things to do.
First, be sure to visit Shrewsbury’s medieval castle! Although the exact date of construction remains unknown, it is believed that a Norman lord built this fortress in the late 11th century. The stone keep dates back to 1070 and was later added by King Henry I.
The town also has tons of restaurants specializing in different cuisines from around the world, as well as pubs and breweries. So be sure to have a pint of local brew after a long day of sightseeing!
Shrewsbury is located on the River Severn. The river provides stunning views that can be enjoyed while taking a scenic walk or boat ride.
Shrewsbury’s location is also convenient because it has easy access to other big cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham. If you’re looking for a charming European town to explore, be sure to add Shrewsbury to your list!
Stratford-upon-Avon
Photo Credit: Travelling Through The Trees
by Millie at Travelling Through the Trees
Situated in central England is Stratford-upon-Avon – a bustling medieval market town filled with Tudor Buildings, quaint coffee shops, and many independent places to eat.
The town is best known for Shakespeare – a poet, play-writer, and actor. The house which he grew up in stands today as a museum filled with actors telling tales of the life he lead growing up in the town and how he became famous. Continuing on his legacy, The Royal Shakespeare Company performs some of his most popular plays such as Macbeth and Hamlet.
As a riverside town, one of the best and most romantic things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon is to punt or rowboat down the river Avon. Riding the Big Wheel and visiting the all-year-round Christmas shop are also a must-do when visiting the town.
No trip to Stratford-upon-Avon is complete without stopping at Blue Honey Café – the best independent café offering some of the most amazing homemade cakes and unique hot chocolates, including s’mores and Oreo. For those looking for a more unique experience, then Shakespaw Café is the place to head to. You’ll have the opportunity to dine among dozens of cats, all of which love to be fussed over!
Hay -on-Wye
Photo Credit: Leisurely Drives
by Jan from Leisurely Drives
Hay-on-Wye, known as the World’s First Book Town, is a lesser-known gem attracting book lovers worldwide.
Located in Herefordshire, almost at the border of England and Wales, this small Welsh town has a population of 2,000 people, with a church, an old castle, and a couple of pubs – all along its one street or two. The whole town is full of narrow alleys with quaint bookshops displaying a huge number of books – both new and second-hand, as also specialist collections such as murder mysteries, children’s books, antique maps, and art.
An interesting set of self-service shops, called Honesty Book shops, thrive on the old cobblestone streets and also on the walls of the castle ruins. You pick your books from shelves and put the money in a payment box on the side.
The annual Guardian Hay Festival every May is quite popular here. Visitors from all over the world visit this town for seminars and readings.
The background of Hay-on-Wye goes back to 1961 when Richard Booth brought loads of books from closing shops in the USA and set up this place, mainly for second-hand books.
This pretty town also offers walks, hikes, and scenic lookouts around Hay Bluff and the River Wye. There are plenty of Bed and Breakfast, small hotel options for accommodation, and good dining choices.
It’s definitely worth stopping for a day in this enchanting town while you are exploring the beautiful Welsh countryside.
King’s Lynn
Photo Credit: Two Travling Texans
by Anisa of Two Traveling Texans
Portree
Photo Credit: Chasing The Long Road
by Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road
Portree is a charming town located on the east coast of the Isle of Skye – the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Portree has a beautiful harbor with an array of colorful houses. You will get a cracking view of the harbor and the bay from Apothecary’s Tower – which is about 5 minute’s walk from the town center. On clear days, the impressive pinnacles of the Old Man of Storr would come to your view.
This coastal town is a great base to explore the attractions on the Isle of Skye, famous for its rugged landscapes. Just about 6.5 miles north of Portree lies the Old Man of Storr. The iconic pinnacles are some of the best-known rock formations in Britain. Quairang, another stunning landform in Skye, is about 35 minutes drive from Portree. This consists of a large grassy surface (table), a pointy pinnacle (needle), and a unique rock formation having a resemblance to a medieval keep (prison). The Fairy Pool, a web of stunning waterfalls under the shadow of the famous Cuillin mountains, is about half an hour’s drive from Portree.
Not just impressive landscapes, Portree has a fabulous seafood scene as well. You will have award-winning fish and chips shops, a budget for fancy seafood restaurants and pubs. Having plenty of things to see and do, Portree would be a great choice if you fancy having a holiday away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
For a Scotland itinerary with stops at the Isle of Skye click here.
Knaresborough
Photo Credit: Get Lost Travel Blog
By Hannah of Get Lost Travel Blog
The market town of Knaresborough in North Yorkshire, England is easily one of the most enchanting towns in Europe.
For years, Yorkshire residents have been in awe of the stunning beauty of the town, but the rest of the world is only just discovering it. Through the power of social media, and as the setting for the charming Christmas movie, A Very British (Yorkshire) Christmas, a global audience is now falling under Knaresborough’s spell.
The most iconic beauty spot in the town is the striking views of the viaduct from Knaresborough Castle. This picture postcard shot really is just as perfect as it looks! It is a must-see for anyone who visits Knaresborough.
Knaresborough is also recognizable thanks to an abundance of unique chequerboard houses. These iconic buildings are adorned with alternating black and white squares, and you will find several of them throughout the town.
If you are looking for things to do in Knaresborough, a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave is a must. It is the oldest tourist attraction in England. The cave first opened to paying visitors in 1630!
Mother Shipton’s Cave was supposedly the birthplace of Ursula Southeil, a prophetess who became known as Mother Shipton. Her primitive home in the pretty woodland setting is another reason Knaresborough is so enchanting. The ancient woodland is tranquil, and Mother Shipton’s story gives the place a true fairy tale feel.
Rye
Photo Credit: Snap Happy Travel
by Aimee of Snap Happy Travel
Rye in East Sussex, just a 1.5-hour drive from London, is one of the most enchanting small towns in England if not all of Europe. With its winding, cobbled streets, Rye is like something from a fairytale.
Rye is perhaps most famous for Mermaid Street, the very photogenic (and a little Harry Potter-ish)winding steep street, with its cobbled pavement and wonky stone buildings. Try to get here for sunset, when it’s quieter for the best photo, all the houses light up giving it a magical atmosphere.
Afterward, pop into the Mermaid Inn at the top of the street for some food and a drink – try to grab the table next to the fireplace, as this is where a Smuggler gang used to sit and drink every day back in the 1700s. The Mermaid Inn is also said to be haunted, and there’s even a secret passageway into the bar – ask a staff member to show you the way!
In Rye, kids will love the opportunity to become a Witch or Wizard for the day at the School of Wizards and Witches. This is one of the best things to do in Rye – your little ones will be taught how to make spells as well as solve a magical mystery.
For a sweet treat, head to Knoops on Tower Forge Road which is where you can taste the best hot chocolate in England! There are approximately 20 different types of hot chocolate to try, all varying in strength!
Top tip – the best view of Rye can be seen by climbing up the Bell tower at St Mary’s Church!
Saltburn-by-the Sea
Photo Credit: Voyaging Herbivore
by Alysa of Voyaging Herbivore
Nestled along the eastern coast of Yorkshire in England is a little town called Saltburn-by-the-Sea. While there are many incredible things to do in Saltburn like ride one of the oldest gravity lifts in England or take a walk along the clifftops, Saltburn’s most impressive feats are its views across the sea.
In the summer, free beach parking draws a crowd and the colorful beach huts make it easy to spend an entire day lounging on the sand. The Saltburn pier is crowded with fried food and arcades. If you’re a surfer, grab your wetsuit and get ready to catch some waves. With miles of beach to walk along and plenty of pubs to stop at on the way, Saltburn-by-the-Sea is the perfect place to spend a relaxing long weekend.
If you fancy going further afield, take a quick drive or a long walk to Staithes or Runswick Bay, where you’ll find some of the UK’s other most impressive views. Pop into Coco and Rum for dinner, a delicious Thai restaurant with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
Although lesser known, Saltburn truly is a gem of a place to stay and explore with things to do, eat, and drink for people of all ages and abilities.
Bakewell
Photo Credit:Lovely Local Indie
Bakewell is a picturesque market town. Located in the Derbyshire Dales, Bakewell is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Peak District national park. Thought to have been founded in Anglo-Saxon times, Bakewell has a fascinating history. Jane Austen is thought to have stayed here whilst writing Pride and Prejudice. Austen’s fictional Lambton was based on Bakewell with nearby Chatsworth House being the model for Pemberley.
The conservation area of Bakewell boats is an aesthetically pleasing neutral color palette. Many of Bakewell’s historic buildings are made from gritstone from the local area.
Bakewell is also known for its Bakewell pudding – a pastry case with jam and an almond sponge. Many bakeries sell this local delicacy.
There is also much to explore in the surrounding area. Chatsworth House, one of England’s finest country houses, is just four miles away. Haddon Hall is another magnificent country house and estate not far from Bakewell.
This area is park of the Peak District and there are dozens of small towns and villages worth exploring as well.
Smaller and less well-known, but still worthy of a visit, is Thornbridge Hall. One can walk or cycle directly to Thornbridge via the Monsal Trail, a popular, traffic-free hiking trail that enjoys breathtaking scenery, particularly at Monsal Head. Ashford in the Water is another pretty village worthy of exploring, not far from Bakewell.
Port Isaac
Photo Credit: Lost in Landmarks
Port Isaac has a long history of fishing the waters around here and it’s been going on for centuries. If you happen to be there on a Friday evening in the summer, you might still hear the sound of fishermen singing sea shanties – traditional fishing songs – by the beach as they perform concerts. It’s a lovely sound and an emotional watch.
Fishing has been declining around these parts so this keeps history alive. The village is beautiful to look at too, full of quirky cottages with wonky walls. Many of them have been used in films and tv shows which draws in lots of visitors looking for a glimpse of filming locations.
For a better view of the village, take a walk along the South West Coastal path to look back towards it. You’ll see the stunning blue waters and the harbor wall, and perhaps you’ll spot a boat trip launching and taking visitors for a dolphin spotting trip.
Bourton on the Water
Photo Credit: London Travellers
By Anissa of London Travellers
Have you ever imagined what it’s like to be in the middle of a pretty village in England? Bourton on the Water is situated in Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, just Northwest of London. The population is around 3000, so a small community with a lively atmosphere. Bourton on the Water is picture postcard beautiful because of its cozy thatched roof houses and its English cottages of grey and brown 16th Century stoned walls lining the roads.
When you see these 16 Century English cottages, it will sometimes haunt you by going back to the past. You can still imagine the people living there 300 years ago as these cottages haven’t changed one bit.
As you walk through the village, a long river stream full of pebbles underneath can be found. Children often splash their legs in the cold water, while others eat ice cream in summer in the rows of village cafes, pubs, and restaurants. There are many car parks there, and the fee is not that expensive.
Feel free to buy souvenirs for your loved ones and take photos in front of the pretty straw-roofed cottages in the quiet and serene neighborhood of Bourton on the Water. You can check out the Model Village of Bourton on the Water and Birdland Park and Gardens. Bourton on the Water is a village that’s not to be missed.
The Village of Muker in the Yorkshire Dales, England
Photo Credit: Silver Back Packer
By Dave of Silverbackpacker
The Yorkshire Dales are famous for some of the most outstanding countryside in the United Kingdom, but they’re also home to many of England’s prettiest villages.
Exploring these pretty villages in the Yorkshire Dales is a great way to take in the beauty of the area, and experience some wonderful Yorkshire hospitality!
Muker is one of the most attractive villages in Yorkshire. Its unusual name is Norse, and stems from an ever-so-descriptive phrase meaning “the narrow, newly cultivated field.”
Muker is a brilliant example of a village in the Yorkshire Dales, with many of its stone cottages dating from around the 17th Century.
However, the history of the village predates that – or at least, the Iron Age skeleton found on the common in the 90s would certainly suggest so!
St Mary’s Church dates from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and was consecrated in 1580.
Despite its tiny size, Muker is actually a pretty thriving little village. While mining and agriculture have traditionally been its main industries, today it is tourism that keeps the town alive.
As a result, there are several craft shops as well as a great pub called Farmer’s Arms.
The countryside around Muker is a great walking country. The village straddles both the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast national hiking routes. There are several trails around Muker itself, and one of the most popular is the trek up to Keld passing four waterfalls along the way.
Like many of the most beautiful villages in the Dales, it runs alongside a small river and you cross over a charming bridge to get in. It’s definitely a worthy stop!
Conwy, Wales
Photo Credit: UK Everyday
Beddgelert, Wales
Photo Credit: The Happy Days Travels
Beddgelert is an enchanting village in North Wales in the UK that you must visit. In Snowdonia National Park you’ll find not only Wales’s highest peak, Snowdon, but towns and villages dotted around the area, flanked by the great mountains of the park.
This beautiful, small village is home to one of the most famous legends in Welsh folklore, Beddgelert. The reason for the name of this enchanting village is the story of Gelert, the dog. In the 13th century, this part of Wales was home to Llewelyn, the Prince of Wales, whose favorite hunting dog was named Gelert.
One day, Llewelyn found the crib of his son overturned and bloody and so killed Gelert in rage, only to find a slain wolf then next to the unharmed baby where Gelert had saved him. Stricken with regret and grief, Llewelyn buried Gelert in a grave for all to see and was said never to smile again.
Not only is this story touching, but has graced the already picturesque town with an air of mystery and wonder that makes the place feel enchanted. When visiting, be sure to find the Beddgelert grave to pay your respects, see the statue, learn the legend and marvel at the striking landscape surrounding this village.
I hope you have loved learning about these Enchanting Small Towns and Villages in the UK and that you are inspired to visit them.
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